By Andi Anderson
McHenry County College has announced a new name for its longstanding agricultural education hub. The Center for Agrarian Learning (CAL) will now be known as the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning (CCAL). This updated name reflects the center’s growth and its strong impact on the agricultural community of McHenry County.
The change has been made possible through generous support from Tom and Julie Carey. Their contribution will help CCAL expand its programs, improve its educational resources, and reach more learners and farmers across the region.
“Julie and I are delighted to support this remarkable program at McHenry County College,” said Tom Carey. “This center seamlessly integrates business acumen with agricultural expertise, equipping students for the evolving future food economy. This innovative program will benefit students, county residents, and neighboring communities for many years to come.”
For nearly ten years, the center has played an important role in helping farmers start, improve, or transition their businesses. CCAL offers learning opportunities that teach students and entrepreneurs the latest farming methods and business strategies needed to keep farms profitable, productive, and sustainable. Its programs include grower intensives, weekend workshops on topics such as organic certification, cut‑flower production, and small farm equipment, and evening sessions on online sales and marketing. The center also explores new crops such as hazelnuts and chestnuts to help farmers diversify.
CCAL supports the wider community as well. It hosts The Great Seed Event, a free annual gathering for gardeners, along with film screenings that promote healthy food and environmental awareness.
In a recent development, CCAL received grant funding to convert the wash and pack facility at the MCC Student Farm into a food‑safe processing kitchen with cold and freezer storage. This space will be open to local farm and food entrepreneurs who need part-time access to commercial facilities. It will help them test new products, support business development, and bring more locally grown food to the community. Future products may include chopped and frozen vegetables for K–12 schools or locally produced items like salsa prepared and packaged for sale.
“We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Julie Carey for their generous support and commitment to agriculture in our region,” said Dr. Clint Gabbard, president of McHenry County College. “Their investment will help us grow this already impactful program into something even more transformative—expanding opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and students while strengthening the future of agriculture in McHenry County and beyond.”
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Illinois, Education